Published 10:51 am, Monday, December 2, 2013

Motorists can pledge to abstain from drunken driving this holiday season when the Texas Department of Transportation’s first Sober Ride Sleigh Tour makes a stop Wednesday in Odessa.

Highlight the dangers of drunken driving, the tour will showcase the Sober Ride Sleigh, a donated limousine decked out in holiday colors with a giant bow on the roof, according to a TxDOT press release.

Odessa is one of 15 cities the sleigh will visit during the tour.

Those attending the event are invited to make a pledge this holiday season to refrain from drunken driving by arranging a designated driver for themselves, loved ones and colleagues, according to the release.

TxDOT Spokesman David Glessner said the pledges will be documented but are meant to be symbolic for the individuals who make them.

Participants also have a chance to win trips and limo rides during the event. Pledges posted on Twitter or SoberRides.org will be entered to win a grand prize — a trip to New York City to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Meanwhile, other participants may win a limo ride on New Year’s Eve in any Texas community, according to the release.

The Sober Ride Sleigh’s theme of DWI prevention is geared toward all drivers — regardless of age — who may be tempted to consume alcohol before getting behind the wheel, Glessner said.

“The message of sober driving should be spread as wide as possible,” he said.